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Social Security and Medicare Funds to Run Dry Sooner

Steve Weichel
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Social Security and Medicare Funds to Run Dry Sooner
Social Security Funds to Run Dry Sooner

The Social Security and Medicare trustees report has warned that the financial safety nets relied upon by millions of older Americans and young people will be short of money to pay full benefits in the next decade. According to the report, Medicare, the government-sponsored health insurance that covers 65 million older and disabled people, will be unable to pay full benefits for inpatient hospital visits and nursing home stays by 2031. And just two years later, Social Security won’t have enough cash on hand to pay out full benefits to its 66 million retirees.

The Trustees recommend that Congress address the projected trust fund shortfalls in a timely fashion to phase in necessary changes gradually. If lawmakers do nothing, more than 70 million beneficiaries will face an automatic 23% cut, reducing the average benefit by several thousand dollars per year.

The forecasted go-broke date for Medicare was moved back three years — last year’s report predicted the government wouldn’t have enough money to start paying those benefits in 2028. However, the date for Social Security’s trust was moved up one year earlier. On its current track, Medicare would be able to cover only 89% of costs for patients’ hospital visits, nursing home stays, and home health care starting in 2031. Social Security, meanwhile, will be able to cover only 77% of benefits starting in 2033.

The future of Social Security and Medicare has become a top political talking point as President Joe Biden heads into his expected 2024 reelection campaign. Biden, a Democrat, has vowed to rebuff any Republican-led efforts to cut Medicare or Social Security benefits to brace for the shortfall. Republican leaders, meanwhile, say they don’t intend to ax benefits either, but they’ve yet to coalesce behind a plan to keep the programs solvent.

Lawmakers have for years kicked Social Security and Medicare’s troubling math to the next generation. Social Security benefits were last reformed 40 years ago when the federal government raised the eligibility age for the program from 65 to 67. The eligibility age has never changed for Medicare, with people accessing the medical coverage when they turn 65. AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins has called on elected officials to hammer out a plan, stating that the funds’ future should be a top priority for Congressional leaders.

As the baby boomer generation continues to age and rely on Social Security and Medicare, concerns are growing about the programs’ solvency. The trustees report highlights the need for Congress to take action to address the projected shortfalls and gradually phase in necessary changes. If nothing is done, more than 70 million beneficiaries could face a 23% cut to their benefits, resulting in a reduction of several thousand dollars per year on average.

Medicare’s projected go-broke date was moved back three years from last year’s report, but Social Security’s trust fund is now projected to run out of cash one year earlier than previously estimated. The report warns that Medicare will be unable to pay full benefits for inpatient hospital visits and nursing home stays by 2031, while Social Security will be unable to pay full benefits to retirees by 2033.

President Joe Biden has vowed to protect Medicare and Social Security benefits and reject any efforts to cut them by Republicans. However, Republican leaders have yet to coalesce behind a plan to keep the programs solvent. Social Security benefits were last reformed 40 years ago, while Medicare’s eligibility age has remained at 65 since the program’s inception.

AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins has called on elected officials to prioritize finding a solution to the programs’ solvency issues. As the number of beneficiaries relying on Social Security and Medicare continues to grow, it is essential that Congress takes action to ensure the long-term viability of these vital programs.

Boy Scouts’ $2.4B Bankruptcy Plan Upheld

Steve Weichel
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Boy Scouts’ $2.4B Bankruptcy Plan Upheld
Boy Scouts' $2.4B Bankruptcy Plan

A federal judge in Delaware has ruled that the Boy Scouts of America’s $2.4 billion bankruptcy plan is valid, paving the way for the organization to continue operating while compensating tens of thousands of men who were sexually abused as children while involved in Scouting. The ruling, released by Judge Richard Andrews in U.S. District Court, rejected arguments that the plan was not proposed in good faith and improperly stripped insurers and survivors of their rights.

Over 80,000 men have filed claims against the Boy Scouts, alleging that they were sexually abused as children while involved in Scouting. Some opponents of the bankruptcy plan argued that the huge number of claims, when combined with other factors, suggested that the bankruptcy process was manipulated. However, the judge found no fault with the plan’s initial approval by a federal bankruptcy judge in September.

Under the plan, the Boy Scouts of America will contribute less than 10% of the proposed settlement fund, while local Boy Scout councils have offered to contribute at least $515 million in cash and property. The bulk of the compensation fund will come from the Boy Scouts’ two largest insurers, Century Indemnity and The Hartford, which will contribute $800 million and $787 million, respectively. Other insurers have agreed to contribute about $69 million.

Insurers opposing the plan argue that the Boy Scouts of America is contractually obligated to assist them in investigating, defending, and settling claims, as it did before the bankruptcy. They say the organization colluded with claimants’ lawyers to inflate both the volume and value of claims to pressure insurers for large settlements, then transferred its insurance rights to the settlement trust.

Under the Boy Scouts’ plan, insurance companies, local Scout councils, and troop sponsoring organizations will receive broad liability releases protecting them from future sex abuse lawsuits in exchange for contributing to the victims’ compensation fund. However, some abuse survivors argued that releasing their claims against non-debtor third parties without their consent would violate their due process rights.

The Boy Scouts’ largest insurers negotiated settlements for a fraction of the billions of dollars in potential liability exposure they faced. Other insurers, many of which provided excess coverage above the liability limits of the underlying primary policies, refused to settle. They argued that the procedures for distributing funds from a proposed compensation trust would violate their contractual rights to contest claims, set a dangerous precedent for mass tort litigation, and result in grossly inflated payments.

The U.S. bankruptcy trustee, the government’s “watchdog” in Chapter 11 bankruptcies, argued that such releases are not allowed under the bankruptcy code, and that the scope of the proposed releases in the Boy Scout plan was unprecedented because it potentially extends to tens of thousands of entities.

The ruling is a significant milestone in the long-running bankruptcy case, which was filed by the Boy Scouts of America in February 2020 after a surge in sexual abuse lawsuits. The organization has been in decline for years due to declining membership and increased competition from other youth organizations. The bankruptcy plan will enable the Boy Scouts to continue its operations while compensating abuse survivors and resolving its outstanding legal liabilities.

US Army’s Prep Course Helps Recruits Meet Military Standards

Howard Johnson
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US Army’s Prep Course Helps Recruits Meet Military Standards
US Army's Prep Course

The US Army has launched a new program aimed at providing lower-performing recruits with the extra academic or fitness instruction they need to meet military standards. Known as the prep course, the program has already had a significant impact on thousands of soldiers since it began in August 2022 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

According to reports, the program has helped 5,400 soldiers so far, and for those who complete the course, it can be a life-changing experience. The prep course provides a range of classroom instruction and training, including lessons on how to wear the uniform, make a bed properly, and physical fitness and discipline.

Recruits are tested every week, and if they pass the military’s academic test or meet the physical standards, they can move into basic training every three weeks. If they don’t pass or meet the standards, they can continue testing for up to 90 days.

The program has already helped thousands of soldiers, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in the military. For lower-performing recruits who may have otherwise struggled to meet the Army’s rigorous standards, the prep course is a game-changer.

With its focus on academic and physical fitness instruction, the program is helping to ensure that soldiers are prepared for the challenges ahead. For those who complete the program, the benefits can be life-changing. They’ll have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the military, and they’ll be better equipped to handle the demands of basic training.

The success of the US Army’s prep course hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Navy has reportedly taken notice of the program and is now setting up a similar course. This is a positive development and underscores the value of the program and its impact on recruits.

Overall, the prep course is a shining example of the military’s commitment to supporting its troops. By providing lower-performing recruits with the resources they need to succeed, the program is helping to build a stronger, more capable military. It’s clear that the benefits of this innovative program are being recognized across the military, and it’s likely that more branches of the military will adopt similar programs in the future.

The success of the prep course is a testament to the hard work and dedication of those involved in its creation and implementation. It’s a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when the military takes a proactive approach to supporting its troops and ensuring their success.

Starbucks Accused of Violating Labor Law by NLRB

Howard Johnson
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Starbucks Accused of Violating Labor Law by NLRB
Starbucks Accused

Coffee giant Starbucks is facing allegations from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) that it violated federal labor law by failing to negotiate fairly with workers at newly-unionized cafes across the United States. Prosecutors from the NLRB have claimed that the company refused to participate in collective bargaining sessions if some workers were present via video-conference, thereby breaking labor laws. The NLRB’s general counsel has confirmed that Starbucks violated the law by refusing to participate in the sessions. The accusations have emerged just days before former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is scheduled to testify before the US Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on March 29.

According to Bloomberg News, more than 280 out of Starbucks’ approximately 9,000 company-operated US locations have voted to join a labor union since 2021. The union seeks better pay and benefits, improved health and safety conditions, and protections against unfair dismissal and discipline. A Starbucks union leader from California stated that he hopes the company is willing to negotiate virtually.

In response to the allegations, Starbucks has not commented on the matter, nor has the NLRB. The accusations of unfair labor practices come at a time when Starbucks is already under scrutiny from activists and regulators for its labor practices.

It is worth noting that Schultz had earlier refused to answer questions about the company’s compliance with labor law. This has raised concerns among labor activists, who have accused the company of ignoring workers’ rights. The allegations are not the first against Starbucks, which has faced criticism from labor unions and workers’ rights groups for years.

The allegations also come amid a broader debate about the role of unions in the US economy. Labor unions have long argued that they are necessary to protect workers’ rights and ensure they are fairly compensated. However, some employers argue that unions are not necessary and can be a hindrance to business growth.

The accusations against Starbucks could lead to more scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators, who have been increasingly focused on labor practices in recent years. The Biden administration has promised to be a champion of workers’ rights and has signaled that it will take a more aggressive approach to labor issues than the previous administration.

The accusations against Starbucks also come as the company is grappling with other challenges, including rising competition and changing consumer preferences. The coffee giant has been working to adapt to these changes, including by expanding its digital offerings and introducing new menu items.

The allegations against Starbucks of unfair labor practices have once again brought attention to the company’s labor practices. The accusations have come at a time when the role of unions in the US economy is being debated, and when regulators and lawmakers are taking a more aggressive approach to labor issues. It remains to be seen how Starbucks will respond to the allegations, and whether they will have any long-term impact on the company’s reputation or bottom line.

Shooting at Nashville Christian School Leaves Six Dead

Howard Johnson
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Shooting at Nashville Christian School Leaves Six Dead
Nashville Christian School

Former student Audrey Hale shot and killed six people, including three nine-year-old children, at The Covenant School, a Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee. The shooter gained entry to the building by shooting through the glass doors, armed with two “assault-style” weapons and a handgun. Hale took her own life after a brief confrontation with the police.

Investigators found a manifesto and a detailed map of the school, suggesting that Hale may have had some resentment towards the institution. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but investigators believe that she may have been suffering from mental illness.

The shooting caused chaos and panic among the students and staff, who ran for their lives, hiding in classrooms and closets, while others fled the building. The Covenant School has a strong reputation for academic excellence and is highly regarded in the Nashville area. The school’s principal, Emily Smith, described the shooting as a “nightmare” and said that the entire community was in mourning.

The incident has reignited the debate over gun control in the United States, with many calling for stricter gun laws, while others argue that such laws would not have prevented this tragedy. The shooting has highlighted the need for better mental health care services in the United States, and many are calling for increased funding for mental health care and better access to treatment. Schools across the Nashville area have increased security measures, and police have stepped up patrols in the area.

The community is mourning and has planned vigils for the victims. The Covenant School has released a statement saying that they are “heartbroken” and “in shock” after the attack. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued a statement, expressing his condolences and calling for unity in the face of tragedy. President Joe Biden also issued a statement, saying that the incident was a tragedy that should never have happened and that action must be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As parents are understandably concerned about the safety of their children, schools across the Nashville area have increased security measures, including increased police patrols. The community is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, with many calling for justice and a better understanding of mental illness.

Virginia Tech Makes History in Final Four Win

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Virginia Tech Makes History in Final Four Win
Virginia Tech Makes History

In a historic win, Virginia Tech’s women’s basketball team has advanced to the Final Four for the first time in the school’s history. The Hokies secured their place in the national semifinals by defeating Ohio State 84-74 in the Seattle 3 Regional final, making it their 15th consecutive win. Virginia Tech’s Elizabeth Kitley was the leading scorer for the team, contributing 25 points and 12 rebounds to the win. Meanwhile, Georgia Amoore added 24 points and hit her fourth 3-pointer of the game to extend the lead to 13 points.

Ohio State put up a valiant effort and kept up with Virginia Tech in the first half of the game, with Taylor Mikesell scoring 25 points, including five 3-pointers. However, Ohio State couldn’t maintain the same energy in the second half, and Virginia Tech’s defense proved too strong to overcome. Despite Ohio State’s attempt to close the gap, Virginia Tech held on to its lead, remaining nearly perfect at the foul line down the stretch and keeping an undefeated record for more than two months.

In reaching the Final Four, Virginia Tech joins the ranks of seven other teams who have made it to the national semifinals for the first time in their history in the past 10 years. Virginia Tech’s head coach Kenny Brooks expressed his excitement and pride about the team’s accomplishment, stating, “We’re not just going to the Final Four. We’re in the Final Four. That’s something that means the world to me.”

Ohio State, which was aiming to reach the Final Four for the first time in 30 years and join its Big Ten Conference partner Iowa, scored 28% in the second half, compared to their 64% in the first half. Ohio State’s coach Kevin McGuff cited fatigue as a factor in the team’s struggle to maintain its press defense in the second half, which led to giving up easy baskets.

After the game, Virginia Tech celebrated its historic win at midcourt while “Enter Sandman” by Metallica played over the speakers of Climate Pledge Arena, amplifying the excitement of Hokies fans in attendance. Virginia Tech will now face off against LSU in the national semifinals on Friday in Dallas, continuing their record-breaking season.

Utah Governor Signs Laws to Protect Children from Social Media

Howard Johnson
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Utah Governor Signs Laws to Protect Children from Social Media
Utah Governor Signs Laws to Protect Children

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has signed two new laws aimed at safeguarding children from the harmful impact of social media. The laws, which will come into effect in March 2024, will require parental consent for children under 18 to use social media apps, mandate age verification, and prohibit children from using social media between 10:30 pm and 6:30 am. In addition, the legislation permits lawsuits to be brought on behalf of children who claim social media has caused them harm.

The new laws were introduced in response to growing concerns about the detrimental effects of social media on children’s mental health and the addictive features of social media apps designed to keep users engaged. Studies have revealed that excessive social media use can result in anxiety, depression, and sleep deprivation.

Governor Cox emphasized that social media companies have a responsibility to protect children from the harmful effects of their products. He stated that “these laws will help ensure that children are not lured into using social media apps by addictive features and are not exposed to ads that are not appropriate for their age.”

However, social media companies are likely to contest the laws in court, arguing that they infringe on free speech and other constitutional rights. Governor Cox, however, is confident that the laws will withstand legal challenges and reiterated that the safety and well-being of children must come first.

The new laws have also drawn criticism from digital privacy advocacy groups, who argue that they may limit children’s access to online resources and infringe on their privacy. Governor Cox has, however, stressed that the laws aim to protect children’s health and safety, and that parents will still be able to make informed decisions about their children’s online activity.

The enactment of these laws is a significant move towards safeguarding children from the adverse effects of social media. By necessitating parental consent, mandating age verification, and restricting social media usage during specific hours, the laws aim to protect children from harmful content or addictive features that can negatively impact their mental health and well-being. The laws are part of a broader recognition of the need to regulate social media in the interest of public health and safety, with other states, both red and blue, also advancing similar proposals.

Black Man Dies in Virginia: Police Officers Charged

Steve Weichel
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Black Man Dies in Virginia: Police Officers Charged
Black Man Dies in Virginia Psychiatric Ward

In early March, a 28-year-old black man died in a Virginia psychiatric ward, leading to the charging of ten people, including seven police officers. The man was reportedly picked up by the police on March 3 after allegedly collecting lawn lights from the neighborhood’s front gardens.

He was taken to a hospital for examination before being transferred to a detention center after allegedly attacking police officers. On March 6, he was transferred from prison to the psychiatric hospital. The fatal incident occurred there after alleged renewed aggressive behavior on his part.

The video footage of the incident has been described by prosecutor Ann Cabell Baskervill as “extremely clear” and “extremely frightening”. The footage shows a group of police officers and hospital workers pushing a handcuffed black man to the ground in a psychiatric facility. They held him down for around eleven minutes until he no longer moved. The autopsy report found that the man suffocated while he was “physically held”.

The man’s mother denies the allegation of renewed aggressive behavior and has stated that her son has had mental problems for years. She has raised serious allegations against the authorities, saying “all institutions have let my son down”. The incident has been compared to the death of George Floyd, who died in May 2020 after being restrained by police officers for several minutes.

Seven police officers and three hospital workers have been charged with manslaughter. The seven police officers have turned themselves in and have been suspended from duty pending investigations.

Lawyer Ben Crump, who has previously supported Floyd’s family, has spoken out against the treatment of people in mental health crises, arguing that they are often treated as criminals rather than people in need of help.

Wyoming Governor Signs First Explicit Ban on Abortion Pills

Steve Weichel
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Wyoming Governor Signs First Explicit Ban on Abortion Pills
Wyoming Governor

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has signed a new law banning abortion pills, making it the first state to pass an explicit ban on such pills since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last summer. Although 13 states previously had blanket bans on all forms of abortion, and 15 states had limited access to abortion pills, until now, no state had passed a law specifically prohibiting such pills. The new law will take effect in July, but any legal action could potentially delay its implementation.

The implementation date of the sweeping legislation banning all abortions that Governor Gordon allowed to go into law is not specified in the bill. With the reversal of Roe v. Wade, the issue of access to abortion pills has taken center stage in the United States.

A federal judge in Texas recently raised questions about a Christian group’s effort to overturn the decades-old U.S. approval of a leading abortion drug, mifepristone. This issue has also led to legal challenges in other states, including Arizona, Indiana, Montana, Ohio, South Carolina, Utah, and Idaho.

Opponents of the new law argue that it would eradicate access to basic health care, including safe, effective medication abortion. Women have been traveling across state lines to places where abortion pill access is easier, and this trend is expected to increase.

Governor Gordon expressed concern that the sweeping legislation banning all abortions could result in a lawsuit that will “delay any resolution to the constitutionality of the abortion ban in Wyoming.”

The debate over abortion has intensified in the United States since the reversal of Roe v. Wade in June. Thirteen states now enforce bans on abortion at any point in pregnancy, and another state, Georgia, bans it once cardiac activity can be detected, or at about six weeks’ gestation.

The governor’s decision to sign the ban on abortion pills has drawn criticism from the Wyoming ACLU advocacy director Antonio Serrano, who said that “a person’s health, not politics, should guide important medical decisions — including the decision to have an abortion.”

Pro-Russian Twitter Accounts Spread Misinformation on Ohio Spill

Howard Johnson
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Pro-Russian Twitter Accounts Spread Misinformation on Ohio Spill
Misinformation on Ohio chemical Spill

Pro-Russian Twitter accounts have been using Elon Musk’s new verification system to spread misinformation and anti-American propaganda about a train derailment in Ohio, according to a report by a London-based nonprofit called Reset. The accounts claimed that authorities were lying about the true impact of the chemical spill, and pushed false claims, such as the news media covering up the disaster and environmental scientists being killed in a plane crash. The accounts also compared the response to the derailment with America’s support for Ukraine following its invasion by Russia.

The report highlights how authoritarian states and their propaganda can exploit social media platforms like Twitter to influence domestic discourse. The accounts were identified by Reset, which studies social media’s impact on democracy, and the findings of the report suggest that Twitter is allowing Russia to use its platform as a bullhorn.

The train derailment in Ohio occurred last month, and toxic chemicals were spilled as a result. Shortly after the incident, anonymous pro-Russian accounts began spreading misleading claims and anti-American propaganda on Twitter, using Elon Musk’s new verification system to expand their reach while creating the illusion of credibility.

The pro-Russian accounts, which parroted Kremlin talking points on myriad topics, claimed without evidence that authorities in Ohio were lying about the true impact of the chemical spill. The accounts spread fearmongering posts that preyed on legitimate concerns about pollution and health effects, and compared the response to the derailment with America’s support for Ukraine following its invasion by Russia.

Some of the claims pushed by the pro-Russian accounts were verifiably false, such as the suggestion that the news media had covered up the disaster or that environmental scientists traveling to the site had been killed in a plane crash. But most were more speculative, seemingly designed to stoke fear or distrust. Examples include unverified maps showing widespread pollution, posts predicting an increase in fatal cancers, and others about unconfirmed mass animal die-offs.

“Biden offers food, water, medicine, shelter, payouts of pension and social services to Ukraine! Ohio first! Offer and deliver to Ohio!” posted one of the pro-Moscow accounts, which boasts 25,000 followers and features an anonymous location and a profile photo of a dog. Twitter awarded the account a blue check mark in January.

The pro-Russian accounts regularly spew anti-US propaganda, showing how easily authoritarian states and Americans willing to spread their propaganda can exploit social media platforms like Twitter in an effort to steer domestic discourse.

The report by Reset raises concerns about Twitter’s ability to detect and prevent the spread of misinformation and propaganda on its platform. The company has faced criticism in the past for allowing foreign actors to use its platform to interfere in US elections and influence public opinion.

Twitter has taken steps to address these concerns, including banning political advertising and labeling tweets that contain misleading information. However, the report by Reset suggests that more needs to be done to prevent the spread of propaganda on the platform.

In response to the report, a Twitter spokesperson said, “We have clear policies in place prohibiting spam and platform manipulation, and we enforce them vigorously. We also continue to invest in our technology and teams to better detect and respond to this activity.”

The use of social media by foreign actors to influence public opinion is a growing concern, and platforms like Twitter and Facebook have faced increased scrutiny over their role in the spread of misinformation and propaganda. The incident in Ohio highlights the need for these companies to be more proactive in detecting and preventing the spread of false information on their platforms.

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